Can you buy a reference EVGA card? I would stick with a ref cooler if you are going to be watercooling, but I like EVGA as a company for the customer service.

Sadly it is only the Gainward ref. that is on sale - but the EVGA SC ACX just had a price drop as well, so picking that one up tomorrow, as I only have heard good about EVGA's support, and would like better the better performance from the start